USM PENANG, 25 May 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to strengthen its role as a national leader in innovation with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Rahilah Camel Group Sdn. Bhd. to develop a smart early childhood education platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and next-generation digital monitoring.

The collaboration also involves Intech Art Sdn. Bhd. as the technology partner and strategic commercialisation platform through the university’s spin-off ecosystem (SUSO USM), showcasing strong synergy between academia, industry, and local technology players in advancing digital transformation in Malaysia’s early education sector.

The signing ceremony was graced by USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab, together with Chief Executive Officer of Rahilah Camel Group Sdn. Bhd., Dr. Zaki Ibrahim.

Habibah highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “The development of AI-based smart education technology aligns with the country’s aspirations to strengthen digital transformation, nurture quality human capital, and build a high-impact innovation ecosystem.”

She said, “This collaboration is expected to open wider opportunities for applied research, technology transfer, industry-level validation, and commercialisation of local innovations that add value to Malaysia’s early childhood education sector.”

“With the combined expertise of academia, industry experience, and local technological capabilities, this partnership is poised to catalyse the growth of a more progressive, inclusive, and globally competitive smart education ecosystem.”

She further emphasised that USM is delighted to be part of this collaboration, noting that it reflects the university’s commitment to advancing impactful research and innovation that benefit the society at large.

Meanwhile, Zaki expressed confidence in the system’s impact: “The smart early childhood education system developed through this collaboration will enable institutions, teachers, and parents to monitor children’s development more comprehensively, systematically, and data-driven in real-world settings.”

He explained, “The platform is designed as an intelligent digital ecosystem capable of recording, analysing, and assessing children’s development across academic, communication, behavioural, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects in real time.”

“This approach allows early detection of strengths, potential, and areas for improvement before children enter formal schooling.”

Zaki further emphasised the role of AI: “More importantly, the system integrates AI technology that can identify natural talents and learning tendencies from an early age through behavioural and learning pattern analysis.”

“This will help institutions and parents nurture children’s potential more effectively and in ways tailored to each individual’s uniqueness.”

Beyond enhancing student monitoring, the system also offers institutions centralised oversight, automated smart reporting, real-time data access, and faster, more precise early intervention support.

Also present at the ceremony were USM Legal Advisor, Dato’ Dr. Khairul Anuar Che Azmi; Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation & Industry-Community Engagement), Associate Professor Dr. Wong Li Pei, representing the Dean of the School of Computer Sciences; as well as Dr. Mohd Nadhir Ab Wahab, founder of Intech Art Sdn. Bhd., together with co-founder, Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Firdaus Akbar Jalaludin Khan.

Original Text: Dr. Mohd Nadhir Ab Wahab, School of Computer Sciences, USM/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa